Difficulty: 2
Distance: 25.4 miles
Time: 2.5 hours
Description:
Although this trail is rated 5 for difficulty, only 1.3 miles in the narrow section of Box Canyon merit this rating. The remainder of the trail is rated 2. However, given that this section is in the middle of the trail and there is no alternate way around it, the trail has been rated 5.
The trail leaves US 60 and enters a military firing range. A notice board at the junction gives dates of live firing practice. In addition, a red flag is flown from the flagpole at the start of the trail when live firing is in progress. Most of this trail is on state land, and a valid permit is required.
The northern section of the trail is wide and roughly graded as it wanders through prolific Sonoran desert vegetation. There are many track to the right and left, and a great number of them lead to popular camping areas, which are often used as base camps by ATV owners and horseback riders.
Other trails are longer and worth exploring as there are many old mines in the region. Farther along, the trail rises to five excellent views of Dromedary Peak and Weavers Needle to the north, and of North Butte to the south.
An old tumbledown adobe casita is passed in Box Canyon. It is interesting to speculate on who might have lived here. Of particular interest is the fence which is constructed from the branches of ocotillos. These have sprouted, creating a living fence line.
Immediately past the turnoff for Central #42; Martinez Mine trail, the main trail enters the narrows of Box Canyon and the start of the 5-rated section. The trail is very twisty and narrow, and there are large boulders and rocks that must be negotiated. Vehicles with side steps, low-hanging brush bars, or low-clearance will be at a definite disadvantage. This trail is not recommended for such vehicles because of the likelihood of damage. Even though this section is better suited for smaller vehicles, full-sized pick-ups drive through successfully. In several spots the driving line is extremely tight between the rocks, and depending on your wheelbase, you must be prepared to ride extremely large boulders. Drivers have stacked rocks to ease the driving line. The high, steep red walls inside the canyon are dramatic. The wash is rearranged after every storm and may not be passable after heavy flooding.
Once out of Box Canyon, the trail reverts to a 2-standard, graded dirt road that runs over flatter ground to join Price Road. It then follows the railroad and joins Arizona 79, 2 miles north of Florence.
Special Attractions:
Wide-ranging desert views and prolific desert vegetation. High-clearance 4WDs are required. This trail has either a rough, rutted surface, rocks up to 9 inches, mud and deep sand that may be impassable for inexperienced drivers, or stream crossings up to 18 inches deep. Certain sections may be steep enough to cause traction problems, and you may encounter very narrow shelf roads with steep drop-offs and tight clearance between rocks or trees.
Massey, P, Wilson, J, & Titus, A. (2006). Arizona trails Central Region. Adler Publishing, Castle Rock CO.
Box Canyon (2008) Trails.com. Retrieved April 10, 2008 from http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=XFT002-055
Wells, C. (2001). Guide to Arizona Backroads and 4-Wheel Drive Trails. FunTreks Inc; Monument CO.